Yeah, I have the standard mag glass with the light around on a swing arm....... still, the 22's are hard to tie!

Getting the beads on the hook, I used tweezers with hackle pliers to hold the hook. Still I dropped half of them on the rug! ..... I still can't find a couple? LOL

But, in the cold water, the trout seem to like the tiny flies so much better than the normal size?

PS - Flashback: about 3 years ago, I spoke with you wgmiller at Muddy Creek FFO (downstream by the Hemlocks) and you said that you caught a couple on size 20 dries. When you left, I took off my regular size 12 woolybugger and tied on a midge dry 20 ...... and I was smackin' the trout pretty good right under the Hemlock trees! A very late "Thanks" to you! LOL

nymphingmaniac wrote:I use the 2mm beads on size 16-18 hooks.For size 20-22 I use a 1.5mm bead and tie them more slender using the next size down wire.

I agree. It was all they had at Bass Pro a few months ago when I was there.

That wire does look kinda thick in my photos. I've corrected the problem with a single strand of crystal flash wrapped over the thread.

I'm going shopping online at Cabelas and Orvis to build up my fly tie stuff. When I go to a fly shop...... I always have to compromise on what I purchase.

I check out all the new ties and the new stuff, and then buy what I want on the internet! I guess I only visit fly shops for sentimental value? Free shipping, and discounts all the time. And I simply love to shop online.

I'd don't understand why you compromise at a flyshop, but not online. Especially stores like Cabela's and Orvis. You still pay sales tax (they have stores in PA) and shipping. IDK if it is still true, but if you buy a bunch of stuff from FFP they ship for free (but check this). I did not find that tying materials (other than beads) are cheaper on-line versus FFP.

I'd suggest that since you are building materials, a visit to Fly fisher's paradise in SC. They will set you up with all the goodies you will need for CENTRAL PA. they have a website that you can order from if you like on-line, but a in-store visit is the best. Especially during the week. When it comes to materials, it is best to look and feel. However, if travel up is out of the question, give them a call. You can ask them to put together a package of stuff for tying for you. You can still order on-line.